Bigg Mike has a big, fat NFL contract, leaving a gaping hole in the backfield of the Big Blue.

Fullback Mike Sellers, one of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' most dominant offensive players the last two years, has struck a deal with the NFL's Washington Redskins.

Sellers leaves the Bombers under the CFL-NFL agreement that allows players entering the option year of their contracts to pursue opportunities down south.

Yesterday was the first day NFL teams could sign CFLers. Sellers says he'll officially sign his contract today.

"I feel great," Sellers said from his home in Seattle. "I'm ready to go. They wanted to do a three-year deal, but we couldn't get to the right numbers. So I just signed a one-year deal, and hopefully I have a great season and re-negotiate."

Unlike many players who get a chance in the NFL, Sellers is not likely to be training camp fodder in Washington. It was with the Redskins the 6-foot-3, 270-pounder first cracked the NFL six years ago.

"I've been there. They know who I am and what I've done there," Sellers said. "It's not like I haven't played in The League. It's not like nobody wanted me. I got in trouble -- that's why I was in the CFL."

After three seasons in D.C., Sellers jumped to Cleveland, where his career was derailed by a drug charge.

Even though the charge was eventually dropped, Sellers found himself unwanted.

TOP SHAPE

But time, and two productive seasons in the CFL, have apparently erased the stigma that had been attached to him.

And Sellers grabbed the opportunity with both hands, getting himself into top shape for a workout with the Redskins earlier this winter.

"I think this is the hardest I've worked so far in the off-season, just because I know this was going to be my last chance," he said. "If I wasn't going to make it this year, I was going to give up."

Sellers, 28, wouldn't disclose the value of his contract, but he hinted he'd be paid more than the minimum ($525,000) for players with his experience.

With the Bombers last year, Sellers was second on the team in rushing (427 yards), fourth in receiving (481 yards), and third in touchdowns, with nine.

"I love Winnipeg," he said. "There's a lot less stress, playing in the CFL. Who knows, if this doesn't work out, I'll be back."

I guess this is bad for my buddy Bryan Johnson. Dang it! Maybe we'll move Rock to RB and Bryan and Mike will be our FB's.

Last edited by Jake on Tue Dec 30, 2003 2:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I'm not sure what to think anymore. I agree that it's not wise to pick up personnel without a concrete coaching core, but it's also not wise to let possibly talented players slide through our fingertips because OBC is a F**khead and won't make a clearcut decision. We'll just have to be patient with this and see how it works out. For once, I have a positive feeling about this. I think SOS IS gone, and I personally am rejoicing. We can only move forward, and it's obvious that the combination of no dicipline, motivation, understanding of clock management, etc. is something that's not within the SOS grasp anytime soon. I for one would love to see someone with experience come in here and straighten things out. I know I tracked off subject a little, but I tried to stay on track...

Sellers ain't ever going to be a 'talented player that slips through our fingers' though. He's up here in the CFL and not really all that noticeable -- which means you have no business signing a LARGER than league minimum contract... let alone when we don't even know who will be coaching next year.

Of course, as long as there's no signing bonus... there's no cap cost to cutting him.